Game of Thrones: King of Magic

Chapter 50

Oberyn Martell. King's Landing.

Ellaria and I were in the gazebo of one of the Red Castle gardens. Usually there were a few servants here again, but now it was empty except for us, Olenna Tyrell and her two bodyguards, Right and Left, as she herself called them, standing at our respective sides. And even though her body had grown old and her face wrinkled, her keen gaze had gone nowhere.

- I never thought I'd see the Martells at Red Castle. I'd rather my idiot son had a brain than this. I don't know if you came here to remind me of yourself or just to piss someone off," she grinned. - And I didn't think the Martells would want to talk to an old woman like me any more.

I grinned as well, and Ellaria smiled politely.

After talking to Solomon, I decided to head straight to King's Landing, sending a raven to my brother along the way. There was no point in delaying with the promise, after all Solomon was no liar, I would even bet my spear on that. He was also extremely handsome and attractive, and Ellaria fully supported that opinion.

My brother's reply to my letter came rather quickly, and in it he indicated that he was skeptical of a possible cure. However, he was also not opposed to trying it, for I had added a few details to the letter regarding Solomon, namely his magic, reputation, and my impression of him.

Other than that, I usually preferred to be in a brothel, because there wasn't the nauseating smell of shit that permeated the city, and there were more good-looking girls and boys around. But to fulfill my part of the bargain, I needed to be in the castle... with the Lannisters, because that was the only way I could get on their nerves.

- Why would you do that, Lady Olenna? Though you are no longer young, your clarity of mind still surpasses most of Westeros," I began. - And why the innuendo? There is no animosity between Willas and I, nor has there ever been. We even correspond from time to time.

- My grandson is too soft, and through my efforts Margaery is not like that, - Olenna waved away. - Well, what's the occasion of your invitation? I suppose with the new Hand that's on her way here now?

- You guessed it. And I'm glad we agree on that.

- Uh-oh. That doesn't take much brains. But still, what do you want from me? I doubt you're a fan of dried fruit.

- That's an idea, my love," Ellaria said. - It would be interesting to try them, wouldn't it?

- First things first, my dear, and then fun," I smiled, to which Olenna rolled her eyes and Ellaria nodded. - The reason you brought Lady Margaery with you is rather obvious. However, both you and I know what the Crown Prince is like. Also, she is not the first contender for his party, for there are Stark daughters traveling here as well.

- I'm glad she's not the last. And the Martells want an alliance? My Margaery is too good for your brother's son.

- I didn't mean Quentin or a marriage between our families in general, but something else.

- Not marriage? In that case, whatever you propose will sound like the buzzing of an elusive fly over a foul-smelling pile.

- And we don't want an alliance, but rather a partnership. You may hold a grudge against us for Oberyn's actions, but it is not your eldest grandson who will be the next Lord of Highgarden," Ellaria interjected, drawing Olenna's attention. - We offer the Tyrells an almost guaranteed chance at the queen's crown, and in return we want your help in overthrowing the Lannisters from their golden perch. We all know Cersei's temperament, and she's sure to oppose your granddaughter.

- Oh, I'm sure she will. And you suspect the lions of Jon's death, I suppose? - Olenna asked.

- As if you don't, my lady," I grinned, at which she made a surprised face with an obvious note of sarcasm. - We'll take the Lannisters' attention away from you, giving you time to find proof. There may be others involved, but I will also take that role if necessary.